Misconception and immigration
There is an irony in The Emigrants concerning prejudice, because the novel exposes the absolute wrongness of political bias against refugees. The novel really could have been called "The Refugees," but instead, the ironic tension is concealed. As the reader explores these narratives, they learn that the typical immigration narrative from the American Dream is only half of the equation. Sure, some people come to America because they want to, to find a better life, but this novel shows that some people come to survive, the lone survivors of their families, to live a hard life that they didn't want, in a foreign place where they are regarded lowly. But after all, for these characters, it is emigration or death by Nazi torture camps.
The sudden suicide
The plot of the story seems to be heading one way when all the sudden Part One ends with a suicide. Instead of being a story about what the title suggests, about life as an immigrant in a new place, the story quickly becomes a narrative about the horror of survivor's guilt, the pain of life, and the overwhelming weight of suffering. When Selwyn commits suicide, he uses a gun, the loud sound of which reminds the reader of the sudden and shocking nature of his death.
The self-betrayal
Paul Bereyter is in an ironic position. He is Jewish, but only partially. The Nazis quickly realize that he is Jewish, but they allow him a choice: he can either go to a concentration camp and die, or he can join the Nazi army. The choice is not a choice. He is forced to betray himself and his family, knowing from firsthand knowledge what is happening to the Jews. By the time it is his turn to commit atrocity against his own people, he lays down on the tracks, accepting the death-by-train that concentration camps might have meant.
Adelwarth's ironic tragedy
Adelwarth's story shows a narrative quite contrary to the common ideas that shaped prejudice against Jews in America during this time. Yes, there are very wealthy, powerful Jews in the story, but Adelwarth isn't one of them. He works as a servant. This reminds the reader of the generalizing effect of bias and the ironic nature of particular misfortune. The particular misfortune goes from bad to worse when his only friend, Solomon (a name referencing the important existentialist philosopher-king from Jewish scriptures) dies, leaving him in existential dread.
Art and suffering
Max Ferber's narrative is so complex and painful that it takes his psyche into dark, chthonic spaces that his ego is unable to process. The emotions seem like they have their origin in another world entirely. This attachment to darkness, to pain, and to horror turns Max into an artist. This is ironic because it means that in addition to "self-expression," agony can also be a source for artistic passion. That is often forgotten except by artists who suffer in that way.
